How to resize shapes in a Visio drawing (290903)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2003
  • Microsoft Visio 2002 Professional
  • Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2003
  • Microsoft Visio 2002 Standard
This article was previously published under Q290903
For a Microsoft Visio 2000 version of this article, see 290901.
For a Microsoft Visio 5 version of this article, see 288749.

SUMMARY

This article describes how to size or resize shapes within a Visio drawing.

MORE INFORMATION

The method that you use to size shapes depends on whether the shape is one-dimensional (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D).

How to Size a 1-D Shape

  1. With the pointer tool, click to select the shape.

    NOTE: A bounding outline appears around the shape, and green squares (handles) appear regularly spaced around it.
  2. To adjust length, hold the mouse pointer over the begin point (selection handle with an "x" in the center) or the end point (selection handle with a "+" in the center), until it changes to a four-headed arrow. Then drag the handle the appropriate length.

    NOTE: When dragging an endpoint, you can size and rotate a 1-D shape simultaneously.
  3. To adjust width (if available), hold the mouse pointer over a selection handle until it changes to a two-headed arrow, and then drag the handle the appropriate width.

How to Size a 2-D Shape

  1. With the pointer tool, click to select the shape.

    NOTE: A bounding outline appears around the shape, and green squares (handles) appear in the corners and on each side around the shape.
  2. To adjust length or width, hold the mouse pointer over a selection handle until it changes to a two-headed arrow, and then drag to the appropriate size.

    NOTE: To size the shape proportionally, drag a corner handle, or hold down SHIFT when dragging.
If you see fewer than eight handles on a 2-D shape, adjust the zoom level to see the rest of the handles, and size the shape more accurately.

How to Work with Shapes that are Locked

Some shapes cannot be resized because they are locked (protected). When a locked shape is selected, padlocks appear in some or all selection handle positions. To unlock or remove the protection from a shape, follow these steps:
  1. With the pointer tool, click to select the shape.
  2. On the Format menu, click Protection.
  3. Click to clear the check boxes for the behaviors that you want to unlock, and click to select the check boxes for the behaviors that you want to lock. Then, click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/11/2006
Keywords:kbhowto KB290903
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